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ibray25
Known Participant
August 20, 2018
Answered

Documentation for Captivate Projects

  • August 20, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 356 views

Is there any guidance from anyone on best practice for technical documentation for Captivate projects?  There does not seem to be a built in tool that goes beyond the Print function. That output does not include variables, Advanced Actions, JavaScript  code, etc.  Within Captivate there doesn't seem to be a function for commenting on use of variables or logic for program flow which should also be included.

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Correct answer Lilybiri

This will be very personal, and depending on the situation. I debug or improve files for clients. They need some documentation, and except for Shared actions very little can be used out of the box with Captivate. Here are some tips:

  • Whenever possible I use Shared actions. Reason: you can add a descritption to the action and to the parameters, something which is not possible for advanced actions.
  • For the same reason I try to offer a shared action which will create all the variables when imported in any project. Those variables will have a full description as well (and a default value) when imported. Have a look at my recent post:
    Rare Tips for Shared Actions - Captivate blog
  • I will use a strict labeling system for all items, and offer an explanation of the logic of that system.
  • Often I will include a screenshot of the fully expanded library.
  • Sometimes I use the scratch area to add some explanations
  • In most cases, especially when the workflow will have to be reproduced in future projects, I will write out full documentation (InDesign) in a pdf document. I explain the variables, the logic of the shared/advanced actions and eventually add a flowchart if necessary. Since the Branching view is not showing the navigation based on shared/advanced actions, it is mostly useless. The Advanced Interaction panel however can often be a plus!

2 replies

Lilybiri
LilybiriCorrect answer
Legend
August 21, 2018

This will be very personal, and depending on the situation. I debug or improve files for clients. They need some documentation, and except for Shared actions very little can be used out of the box with Captivate. Here are some tips:

  • Whenever possible I use Shared actions. Reason: you can add a descritption to the action and to the parameters, something which is not possible for advanced actions.
  • For the same reason I try to offer a shared action which will create all the variables when imported in any project. Those variables will have a full description as well (and a default value) when imported. Have a look at my recent post:
    Rare Tips for Shared Actions - Captivate blog
  • I will use a strict labeling system for all items, and offer an explanation of the logic of that system.
  • Often I will include a screenshot of the fully expanded library.
  • Sometimes I use the scratch area to add some explanations
  • In most cases, especially when the workflow will have to be reproduced in future projects, I will write out full documentation (InDesign) in a pdf document. I explain the variables, the logic of the shared/advanced actions and eventually add a flowchart if necessary. Since the Branching view is not showing the navigation based on shared/advanced actions, it is mostly useless. The Advanced Interaction panel however can often be a plus!
ibray25
ibray25Author
Known Participant
August 23, 2018

Thank you!  I will work on a documentation for one of my projects using your suggestions.